Eyewitnesses heard a loud bang, which one said sounded like the vehicle had 'blown up', before plumes of black smoke poured into the air from the burning 23A First bus.

The incident happened on Retford Road, near the junction with Handsworth Road, at around 2pm yesterday on Wednesday.

The driver and all passengers got off the vehicle safely before flames spread through the vehicle.

Crew manager Chris Kelland of Mansfield Road fire station, Sheffield, praised the driver for his quick thinking.

"He cut off the fuel supply and made sure he got everybody to a place of safety," he said. "His quick thinking definitely saved the lives of those passengers."

Firefighters were called to the scene by First's control room but could not save the vehicle.

First commercial director Brandon Jones said: "The driver became aware of smoke, immediately found a safe location, stopped the vehicle and contacted control who alerted the fire brigade. "

"The bus has been completely destroyed but the important thing is nobody was injured."

"All passengers were offered alternative transport to their destination."

Mr Jones said it was too early to know what caused the 15-year-old bus to catch fire.

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